Susan Hobbs

Hobbs has been on the strip since 1993, her narrow, two-floored gallery representing some of Canadian contemporary art’s most established, renowned practitioners: Ian Carr-Harris, Liz Magor and Arnaud Maggs, among others. She has recently added to her stable 33-year-old Kevin Yates, whose deft, intriguing bronzed and carved wood conceptual sculptures recall the work of Americans Tom Friedman and Robert Gober.
Where: 137 Tecumseth St. (at Richmond St. W.), 416-504-3699.
When: Th–Sa 1–5, or by appt.
How much: free.

Birch Libralato

In 2005, Robert Birch relocated his eponymous gallery from the Distillery District and partnered with Patrizia Libralato, formerly of Sable-Castelli and Wynick/Tuck. The gallery—a 2,700-square-foot, two-chambered affair—represents mid-career and emerging artists, including Steve Reinke, Euan MacDonald and Micah Lexier. Recent shows have included provocative work by Wanda Koop and David Kramer.
Where: 129 Tecumseth St. (at Queen St. W.), 416-365-3003.
When: W–Sa 11–5, or by appt.
How much: free.

Art Metropole

Like New York’s Printed Matter, Art Metropole—founded in 1974 by artist group General Idea—is devoted to books by and about artists, as well as limited edition multiples in various media. Recent works for sale include DVDs by bad boy filmmaker Bruce LaBruce, and Paige Gratland’s The Sontag: Feminist Hair Wear, a lock of silver hair for women looking to emulate Susan Sontag’s signature look.
Where: 788 King St. W. (at Tecumseth St.), 416-703-4400.
When: Tu–F 11–6, Sa noon–5.
How much: free.

Ydessa Hendeles Art Foundation

The legendary doyenne of the Toronto art scene, Hendeles is routinely described as one of the top collectors in the world, and is equally notorious for the complex, oft-inscrutable shows derived from her vast personal collection. Last year’s Predators and Prey was one such gem—a compelling array of objets and artworks (among them, archival photographs of the Hindenburg disaster, a pair of gold Gucci pumps and an authentic 1900s vampire-killing kit) that demanded repeat visits. The gallery—open to the public only five hours a week—is housed in a former uniform factory and is dimly and dramatically lit, and silent, at times seeming more mausoleum than museum.
Where: 778 King St. W. (at Tecumseth St.), 416-413-9400.
When: Sa noon–5, or by appt.
How much: $3.

Diaz Contemporary

The nearly two-year-old Diaz is owned and run by Benjamin Diaz, a Mexican-born gallerist whose Toronto space (a large, two-room converted warehouse, flooded with natural light) exhibits cutting-edge work by Canadian and international artists. Recent shows—often featuring large paintings in one room, with videos or installations in the smaller back room—have included work by local lights Tony Romano, Paulette Phillips and Alexander Irving.
Where: 100 Niagara St. (at Tecumseth St.), 416-361-2972.
When: Tu–Sa 11–6.
How much: free.